Creamed Spinach & Chicken Casserole Recipe

Creamed Spinach & Chicken Casserole

4.7

(16)

13 Reviews

Creamed spinach and chicken combine in this crowd-pleasing, comforting casserole. Crushed red pepper packs some heat, so add less or leave it out completely if you want a milder version. You can cook long-grain brown rice ahead of time or look for packaged microwaveable brown rice to use instead.

Nicole Hopper

Updated on August 15, 2024

Reviewed by Dietitian

Emily Lachtrupp, M.S., RD

Tested by

EatingWell Test Kitchen

Active Time:

30 mins

Total Time:

45 mins

Servings:

Nutrition Profile:

Sesame-Free Nut-Free Healthy Pregnancy Soy-Free High-Protein Egg-Free

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Ingredients

2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 medium sweet onion, thinly sliced (about 2 cups)
1 teaspoon salt, divided
3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 teaspoon salt-free Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon crushed red pepper
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 ½ cups whole milk
½ teaspoon ground pepper
¼ teaspoon paprika
⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg
2 (10-ounce) packages frozen cut-leaf spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
1 (5.25-ounce) package creamy garlic-and-herb cheese spread (such as Boursin)
4 cups cooked long-grain brown rice
4 cups shredded cooked chicken breast
½ teaspoon grated lemon zest
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 cup shredded low-moisture part-skim mozzarella cheese
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Directions

Position oven racks in top third and lower third; preheat to 350°F. Lightly coat a 9-by-13-inch broiler-safe baking dish with cooking spray.
Melt butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add onion and 1/4 teaspoon salt; cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 8 minutes. Stir in garlic, Italian seasoning and crushed red pepper; cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant, about 1 minute. Sprinkle with flour; cook, stirring constantly, 1 minute. Gradually pour in milk; cook, stirring constantly, until slightly thickened, 4 to 5 minutes. Add pepper, paprika, nutmeg and the remaining 3/4 teaspoon salt. Stir in spinach and garlic-and-herb cheese; cook, stirring often, until the mixture is heated through and the cheese is fully incorporated, about 2 minutes. Transfer to a large bowl.

Photographer: Fred Hardy, Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn, Prop Stylist: Shell Royster
Add rice, chicken, lemon zest and lemon juice to the spinach mixture; fold together until evenly mixed. Transfer to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan.

Photographer: Fred Hardy, Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn, Prop Stylist: Shell Royster
Bake on the lower rack until the cheeses are melted, 12 to 15 minutes. Transfer to the upper oven rack and increase oven temperature to broil. Broil until browned on top, 2 to 3 minutes.

Photographer: Fred Hardy, Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn, Prop Stylist: Shell Royster

To make ahead

Assemble casserole (through Step 3) up to 2 days in advance; cover and refrigerate. When ready to eat, let the dish stand at room temperature for 1 hour before baking.

Creamed Spinach & Chicken Casserole — Photographer: Fred Hardy, Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn, Prop Stylist: Shell Royster

Originally appeared: EatingWell.com, August 2023

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

494	Calories
21g	Fat
41g	Carbs
36g	Protein

Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 8
Serving Size 1 1/2 cups
Calories 494
% Daily Value *
Total Carbohydrate 41g	15%
Dietary Fiber 4g	14%
Total Sugars 7g
Protein 36g	72%
Total Fat 21g	27%
Saturated Fat 12g	60%
Cholesterol 106mg	35%
Vitamin A 9002IU	180%
Vitamin C 8mg	9%
Vitamin D 45IU	11%
Vitamin E 3mg	18%
Folate 140mcg	35%
Vitamin K 265mcg	221%
Sodium 709mg	31%
Calcium 345mg	27%
Iron 3mg	17%
Magnesium 131mg	31%
Potassium 711mg	15%
Zinc 3mg	27%
Vitamin B12 1mcg	42%

Nutrition information is calculated by a registered dietitian using an ingredient database but should be considered an estimate.

* Daily Values (DVs) are the recommended amounts of nutrients to consume each day. Percent Daily Value (%DV) found on nutrition labels tells you how much a serving of a particular food or recipe contributes to each of those total recommended amounts. Per the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the daily value is based on a standard 2,000 calorie diet. Depending on your calorie needs or if you have a health condition, you may need more or less of particular nutrients. (For example, it’s recommended that people following a heart-healthy diet eat less sodium on a daily basis compared to those following a standard diet.)

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a special diet for medical reasons, be sure to consult with your primary care provider or a registered dietitian to better understand your personal nutrition needs.

Creamed Spinach & Chicken Casserole

Ingredients

Directions

To make ahead

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

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